Robin Muchetu Health and Gender Editor
Mpilo Central Hospital is today holding its nurses’ and midwives’ graduation and prize giving ceremony.A total of 179 nurses will be graduating.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Bulawayo Metropolitan Province Judith Ncube, who welcomed guests at the graduation and prize-giving ceremony on Friday morning, said the event was not only a celebration of academic achievement but also an investment in vital human resources.
She said healthcare played a central role in national development, noting that a healthy population was essential for productive businesses, stronger families and meaningful participation in economic activities.
Minister Ncube said the graduation represented a contribution towards the attainment of national development goals.
She, however, raised concern over the scourge of drug and substance abuse, urging healthcare workers to remain alert to the dangers of the vice and take a leading role in fighting it.
“The challenge affects families, young people, and the population at large,” she said.
Minister Ncube said nurses should not fall victim to drug and substance abuse but should instead help communities confront the problem.
She also urged the graduating nurses and midwives to uphold respect for human life as they carry out their duties and save lives.
Mpilo Central Hospital chief executive officer Professor Solwayo Ngwenya challenged the graduates to serve with pride and remain committed to saving lives.
He thanked the Second Republic for the hospital renovations, saying the improvements had transformed the institution and provided healthcare workers with a modernised working environment.
Prof Ngwenya said the hospital had recorded a reduction in mortality, which he attributed to the dedication of nurses and other healthcare workers.
He also commended the nurses for their hard work, saying their commitment was being recognised through the graduation ceremony.
